A letter from Sheila Birnbaum, Special Master, Victim Compensation Fund

I am writing to request your help with our efforts to inform the community about the impending registration deadline for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (Fund).

Most of the Fund’s potentially eligible claimants must register by October 3, 2013. Anyone who knew or had reason to know of physical harm or illness resulting from the September 11th attacks before October 3, 2011 must register with the Fund by October 3, 2013. Registration is very easy and requires answering only a few questions. Our website, www.vcf.gov, includes detailed information on the registration deadline and a link to register online. We also offer a toll-free Helpline at 1-855-885-1555.

As the Fund’s Special Master, I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure that all individuals and families who were affected by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 are aware of the Fund and this critical deadline.

The Fund is part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The Fund was established to compensate for physical harm or death caused by the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001 or the debris removal efforts in their immediate aftermath. Potential claimants include first responders; cleanup workers; construction and sanitation personnel; and individuals who lived, worked, or volunteered in the areas of the crashes at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon site, and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site.

I know that many potential claimants have moved outside of these areas in the years following September 11th, and I appreciate your help in spreading this message as broadly as possible.

Attached to this email are several documents containing information that I ask your help in disseminating over the coming weeks. These outreach resources include:

I would be grateful for your help in ensuring that this information reaches a wide audience and offering support to all eligible claimants. My staff is available to provide additional materials or information in support of your efforts.

As I stated when I was first appointed by the Attorney General, my goal as the Special Master for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is for the process to be fair, transparent, and easy to navigate. With that goal at the forefront, I will continue to reach out to as many potential applicants as possible.